So I'm trying to figure out whether to make the hexagon or octagon tables. The way I figure, at almost 41" long seats on the hexagon table, I can probably fit 1-2 adults per "seat". With the octagon, at almost 37", maybe one adult on each seat and one on each corner? 

Thanks so much for this plan.  I was also rooting for the larger table.  When there are already 5 people living at your house and you invite someone over, it's nice to be able to seat more than 6. 

Not two weeks before this plan posted, my friend commented that she REALLY wanted a "round" picnic table, but that all the octagonal tables she saw were priced from $400 ~ $800. My reply was that we should build one. Then, this plan popped up on my Facebook page. Talk about good timing!

We had absolutely no trouble following this plan. However, in the very last cut on the list, 8 - 2x6 @ 36 3/4" (Both ends at 30 degrees off square, parallel to each other) are called for. We found that this angle didn't line up with the angle for the cut listed above it. For us, both boards had to be cut at 22 1/2. (And, the angles should be NOT parallel). Is anyone else having the same issue? Thanks in advance!

I want to build this table for my daughters American Girl Dolls, 16" in height, any idea's on what "size" of person this table would be considered average for? or what % reduction i'd need to apply for use with 16" dolls?

Thanks.

I want to build one of these too! Love the table, thanks for the plans.. I too would like to build one American girl size...that would be AWESOME!

Any ideas how to add an umbrella without compromising the strength of this?

In step 6 whys is the support on one side of the table set at 15 inches from the bottom of the leg and the other is set at 13 inches from the bottom of the leg? Is that correct?

The 15 inch is the measurement of the angle up to the bottom of the leg and the 13 inch is straight up from the support to the bottom of the leg

To get more leg room an option would be to overhang the outer seat board 2x6 by 1 inch and use a 2x4 for the inner seat board. you would gain 3 inches or more depending on how much you overhang the outer 2x6.

I don't have a Kreg jig. Don't really want to buy one either. Is there another way to join the cross members with out having to buy the Kreg jig? Thanks

I noticed someone else asked this question but no replies yet... I want to include a 2" center hole for a large "sidewalk cafe" type umbrella. Can this modification be incorporated in the plans??

Thanks you.

As a carpenter that loves his job and takes too much pride in his work i feel it is necessary to point out that yes you can level the legs by putting a level on the 30 degree cut, however that will only work if the table top is leveled out or on a level surface. Otherwise the legs will read level to the slope of where ever you build the table but when you move it they will be on a different slope and thus out of level. My advice build the top and level it with scrap wood and or whatever you have lying around. If you cant do that then build it as close to its final destination as you possibly can.

I love this table and we have regular BBQs at my house that would make this table a staple in our backyard. However I live in west Texas where we have 100+ degree days for about 4-6 months of the year. Is there a way to adjust this so that you can add an umbrella over the top for shade?

To make the table accept an umbrella, what I would do is make a plywood donut and use that to attach the table top supports to. Would be a plywood circle with a hole in the center big enough to fit the umbrella pole. Then you could cut a hole in the tabletop and let the umbrella pole rest on the bottom cross braces. I don't think this would lose much strength since you have the tabletop slats holding things together also.

I first built this style of table about 27 years ago and have built at least one hundred since then. There are a couple of things about the plan as shown that can be changed. First of all, every second leg should be set back about ten inches. In other words, they should be staggered. This makes it easier to get in and out of the table. The table top can be made of 5/4 x 6" deck boards. This will reduce the weight of the table by almost half. Use 2" x 6" for the seats only. The pieces to form the rings can be laid out on the frame and clamped with ratchet straps in order to attach each ring to the frame. Joints should be glued with an industrial type adhesive such as Gorilla Premium Glue. This glue is 100% water proof and will not break down in the heat or cold. To make the frame stronger and allow a hole to be drilled for an umbrella, without creating a weak spot in the table, install a 3/4" thick plywood disc (14" dia. ) on the bottom of the top frame. Also add two additional plywood discs on the top and bottom of the lower frame. Be sure not to place any nails or screws in the pathway of where the hole will be drilled for the umbrella hole. This table should be stored at an angle during the winter so water can not form in to ice in the joints and force them apart.

Hi and thanks for the plans for this table! This is the first project I have attempted, just getting started but table came out perfect! I am now attempting a kids version for my grandkids and have reduced the table top to 36". I am stuck at the leg supports. I know I want the seats 10" off the ground and the table top 20" off the ground but I haven't figured out how long to cut the leg supports with the angle to make sure the table lands at 20". Any help anyone can give me would be most appreciated! Thanks!

Hello All
Just trying to figure out a step with my Kreg Jig that not too sure about. In steo 3 and 8 you will connect the pointed 45 degree angle braces to the center brace using PH but how would you attach to Kreg jig in order to make the PH. Aftere connecting to make the X I am seeing integrity issues for strength and with 16 screws going into the same area not sure if this would be wise.

If someone can give me a tip on this that would be greatly appreciated